Help From a Santa Ana DUI Attorney

Potentially Better Sentencing with a Santa Ana DUI Attorney

A person that has been charged with a DUI in the state of California can face different punishments for that offense depending on several factors, such as number of times charged or time since last offense. All of this can be explained by any Santa Ana DUI attorney. Fines can range from under $400 to $1000 and jail time up to one year. Coupled with the possibility of a loss of a person's ability to hold a license makes California DUI penalties tough that no one should take lightly, and seek the advice of an attorney.

For all intents and purposes, the legal process begins once the motorist has been stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence. This depending on many circumstances could lead to the person's incarceration. Should this happen, the individual, should they be eligible for bail, would be able to post bail once it is set. After that meeting with an attorney is a must for even the first time offender, as even the first offense could cause problems for the person charged.

Meeting with a Santa Ana DUI attorney may minimize the charges as extenuating circumstances may limit the sentencing. First offenses may call for fines of around $400 dollars up to $1000; however there is the possibility of up to six months in jail. Future offenses can call for up to a year in prison. The court may require the installation of an Ignition Interlocking Device; this is a device that is much like a breathalyzer, except it is hooked to the ignition system of a vehicle, requiring the driver to take an alcohol test before operating a vehicle.

A Santa Ana DUI attorney may be able to lessen the negative impacts of a DUI charge. Extenuating circumstances may be in play. For first offenses, an attorney can possibly have community service double for any jail time. It is not out of the realm of possibility to have the motorist take a Driving Under the Influence program instead of facing a suspended license. However, repeat offenders may create more hurdles for the Santa Ana DUI attorney.

As any attorney in California will attest, every DUI case is different as circumstances vary from incident to incident.  Check out this helpful website if you have any legal questions or answers.